Regnum Caya resort, Belek, Turkey …
Russell Knox singled-out a very timely ‘pep talk’ by his wife and sister-in-law as pivotal in muscling his way into contention heading to the weekend rounds of the Turkish Airlines Open in Belek.
Knox brilliantly birdied his opening three holes in an eventual five-under par 66 for a six-under par tally in continuing ideal conditions on the Regnum Caya course.
Justin Rose opened-up a two shot leading cushion with a second straight 65 and move to 12-under par as he looks to not on successfully defend a title for a first time in his 20-year pro career but return to World No. 1.
Dane Thorbjorn Olesen (67) and the England duo of Danny Willett (65) and Tom Lewis (63) share second place at 10-under.
Andrea and Russell Knox with the WGC – HSBC Champions victory trophy
Knox, 33 is six-years younger than Andrea, his former WTA tennis pro wife and who is not only his biggest supporter but also chief motivator.
Andrea and her sister, Maria who owns the Jacksonville Cryotherapy outlet in Florida, were on hand Thursday to greet Knox following his opening one-under par 70 and whatever they said between them worked on day two.
“It’s why my wife and her sister gave me a pep talk last night,” he said smiling.
“They were like ‘that wasn’t very good so get on with it’. It seemed to work and hopefully I will be in the same for tonight.
“That’s the reason we get on so well. She’s certainly not a cheerleader. Well, she is, she’s the most supportive wife I could ever have but she’s a tough one on me.
Russell Knox looking pleased with himself after his second round at the Turkish Airlines Open (Photo @tourmiss)
“Of all my family, she’s the one who says it like it is. And I need that. I respect that. There’s no shoulder to cry on. That is the competitiveness of her own sporting career coming out. She’s been around this scene for so long. She’s seen the best of the best and that’s the goal when she sees me not doing very well she’s like ‘c’mon now, get going’.
“Every week Andrea’s pretty beneficial. She was big on me when I was starting out (as a pro) as I didn’t take it that seriously but she was telling me to get going and it’s just nice to have someone like that.”
Knox kick-started his second day from the 11th hole and after three opening birdies, the reigning Irish Open winner birdied his sixth before the only bogey of his round at the first or the ninth hole of his round.
He then birdied his 12th and 15th holes and produced a ‘Seve-like’ save for par at his last.
“It was good to get off to a flying start. I played much better than yesterday,” he said.
“I made one bogey and that was a bit of a brain fart. I got unlucky as I hit a decent tee shot but it was in a huge divot.
“And then I made the best up and down of my life to save par on my last hole as that is always nice to feel like you are stealing one there at the finish.
“I hit a decent drive. It needed a left kick and it got a right kick into the rough. I was kind of hand cuffed, it was a tough shot. I had to play defensively from there and chose wrong. It kicked off a slope and went way into the trees.
“From there I channelled my inner Seve I guess. I was trying to chase it to the edge of the green and it came out like a rocket and went into the trees. I was fortunate I had a shot from the pine straw and just nipped it to a foot. It looked like I knew what I was doing.”
Bathgate’s Stephen Gallacher posted a 71 to just inside the top-50 at one-under par.
“It was a bit of a scramble all day,” he said.
“The good thing is I am back to 100% health. I feel good. I feel alright. Touch wood. I am still taking tablets.
“The thing is I am just really not on my game right now. It’s bad enough but then not good enough to be right up the board.”.
